The Flute NI

One of Northern Ireland's most distinctive and distinguished flautists, Colin Fleming was principal flute with the Ulster Orchestra for over 40 years.

Listen as he shares his stories about his development as a player, insights into the profession and approach to teaching which many fine flautists have benefitted from over the years.

Glenn Millar is an experienced bandsman and author of the highly successful book (and podcast) 'Made to Parade'. Glenn challenges some of the perception of marching flute bands, talking about the positive influence that scene had on his life, as well as the wider sense of community and dedication it brings. 

Danielle Rogan is a wonderfully talented young flautist from Newry. Now based in London and busy freelancing in Ireland & UK, hear how Danielle developed as a player and where her main musical interests lie. 

Fintan Vallely is a leading musician, writer and speaker in and on Traditional music. He has performed internationally,  published several acclaimed books and produced many successful recordings. Hear all about his life in music and his wonderful insights on playing and teaching the flute.

Brendan Mulholland is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of the Irish Wooden Flute at home and abroad. Hear about how he learned, his approach to music, musical collaborations and expertise about teaching and playing.

Classical flautist and military musician Richard Douglas shares stories of learning flute with Ballygowan Concert Flute Band, lessons at the City of Belfast School of Music and experiences working with with the Band of the Coldstream Guards, Band of the Royal Irish Regiment and All Flutes Plus.

Gary Hastings is one of the few traditional musicians to also be a Church of Ireland clergyman.

Hear his fascinating stories about the folk music revival, how he learned Irish flute and his research which led to the publication of his book 'With Fife and Drum: Music Memories and Customs of an Irish Tradition'.

Brian Finnegan is an internationally renowned traditional flute player who has toured extensively throughout his career and collaborated with a host of wonderful musicians, including his band Flook who have successfully performed and recorded together for the past 25 years. Listen as he shares stories of growing up learning and his more recent creative journey. 

Jennifer Sturgeon displayed prodigious talent as a young flautist and was one of the youngest ever finalists of BBC Young Musician of the Year. Her musical career has taken many interesting turns including returning home to her current position in the Ulster Orchestra.

Aaron O'Hagan is a talented flute maker and player. His beautiful flutes are played on by many wonderful players and he is also a renowned pipe maker. Hear about his journey in becoming a maker and his other musical exploits.

Sir James Galway is internationally renowned as 'The Man with the Golden Flute'.  He is the ultimate interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and a consummate performer whose appeal transcends all musical boundaries.  

With over 30 million recordings sold worldwide, extensive international touring, frequent television appearances, tireless promotion of the arts and his passionate work in music education, James Galway has been a household name for decades.  

He is joined here by his wife and fellow performer Lady Jeanne Galway in conversation with The Flute NI host Aisling Agnew. 

Two talented flute playing brothers Ross & Jake Houston are the recipients of many awards such as Young Musician of the Year NI and have both played with Ulster Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Ross currently studies at the Royal Academy of Music and Jake will soon embark on studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.

Sarah Murphy is a multi-talented flautist, educator and composer. Originally from England, she has been living and working in Derry since 1998 and she is a driving creative force both there and further afield. 

Andrew Douglas is a talented flute performer and conductor of flute ensembles. He comes from a very musical flute playing family and has a lifelong involvement with Ballygowan Concert Flute Band.  

Colin (Hammy) Hamilton is a legendary Irish flute maker. Originally from Belfast he moved to Cork where he set up his workshop in 1979. His flutes are played worldwide and players also benefit from his knowledge thanks to 'The Irish Flute Player's Handbook'.  

Tara Bingham is a very well-known and respected Irish traditional flute player. She has taught at many important festivals and has been performing alongside her husband Dermy Diamond for over 40 years. 

Gareth McLearnon is an internationally renowned and multi-award-winning flautist, composer, arranger and educator who travels the globe every year leading a diverse, innovative, creative and exciting musical career.

Multi-talented performer, arranger, composer Patrick Davey. Patrick performs mostly on Irish flute (but also classical and Uilleann pipes as well) and is a renowned teacher in and around Belfast.

Renowned performer and teacher, Colin Irvine shares his background in music, teaching philosophy, approach to conducting and favourite performances.

Featuring International Soloist on both Classical & Irish flute, Eimear McGeown. 
Listen as she shares stories of her favourite concerts, collaborations, motivations and aims for the future.